There’s a reason that the term “mom brain” exists. In recent years, research has shown that the forgetfulness and general fogginess that mothers can experience after giving birth, both immediately and in the long term, is likely because pregnancy does change the brain.
A new paper out of Northeastern University offers more clues as to why these changes may be happening. Specifically, the researchers identified that some postpartum rats displayed a reduction in their memories of fear that persists after pregnancy.
The researchers also identified a likely chemical culprit for the change, the steroid allopregnanolone, which the body produces in greater quantities during late pregnancy, in both humans and rats.
Read more at Northeastern Global News
Photo by Matt Modoono
